Wagering System With Expanding Wild Feature

ABSTRACT

A method and system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. A randomly selected outcome of the wagering game is displayed in a display area. The display area includes a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The display area includes a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within the array. Each symbol on one of the plurality of reels is changed to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function. A payout is awarded based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along the plurality of active paylines including the wild functions and the additional game enhancement functions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/875,625, filed Dec. 19, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/965,051 filed Aug. 16, 2007 to the same inventors and hereby incorporates by reference that application in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wagering games, and more particularly, to a wagering game system that changes a wild-symbol to an expanding wild reel for awarding additional game-enhancement functions to a player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player.

One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a “secondary” or “bonus” game that may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may additionally award players with “progressive jackpot” awards that are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines. Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.

The bonus game concepts are used in video or mechanical slot reel-type games. In reel-type games, the reels show different symbols. The winning outcomes of such games are typically shown as symbol combinations in a payline selected by a player. One method to increase player interest has been the use of interspersed wild-symbols on the reels which, when displayed, act as a replacement for any required symbol which is part of a winning symbol combination. However, the wild-symbols are only linked to a single award or payline.

Thus, a need exists for an extra wild option to enhance the bonus effect of a wild-symbol in a reel-type wagering game across multiple paylines. There is a further need to award a player additional game-enhancement functions for an additional wager in a reel-type wagering game. There is also a need to highlight the occurrence of an extra wild feature in a reel-type wagering game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one example, a method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method includes displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in a display area. The display area includes a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The display area includes a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within the array. Each symbol on one of the plurality of reels is changed to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function. A payout is awarded based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along the plurality of active paylines including the wild functions and the additional game-enhancement functions.

According to yet another example, a computer readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for directing a gaming system to perform the above method.

Another example is a gaming system for playing a wagering game. The gaming system includes a display displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array and a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within the array. A controller changes each symbol on one of the plurality of reels to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function. The controller awards a payout based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along the plurality of active paylines including the wild functions and the additional game-enhancement functions.

Another example is a gaming system for playing a wagering game having a first display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The display includes a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The first display includes a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within the array. A second display is superimposed over the first display. The second display overlays one of the plurality of reels with a reel including altered symbols providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function. A controller awards a payout based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along the plurality of active paylines including the wild functions and the additional game-enhancement functions.

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a free standing gaming machine;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a handheld gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machines of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a display graphic of a reel-type wagering game which allows eligibility for a super expanding wild feature;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a display graphic for the wagering game in FIG. 3 showing an interposed super expanding wild reel spinning;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display graphic showing a stopped super expanding wild reel;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a display graphic of the wagering game in FIG. 3 showing various paylines which represent winning outcomes in conjunction with the super expanding wild reel shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a graphic display of the wagering game of FIG. 3 showing an alternate super expanding wild reel.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 a, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.

The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine 10.

The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin currency (see FIG. 1 a). Alternatively, or in addition, the value input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming machine 10.

The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key 30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26 may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game.

The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen in FIG. 1 a, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of the housing 12 and connected remotely.

The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 14 is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.

A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player can select play by using the player: input device 24, via the buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1 a as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player information reader 52, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16 or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player with information about his or her account or other player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52 may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and saved during a previous game session.

Depicted in FIG. 1 b is a handheld or mobile gaming machine 110. Like the free standing gaming machine 10, the handheld gaming machine 110 is preferably an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game such as, but not limited to, blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, and roulette. The handheld gaming machine 110 comprises a housing or casing 112 and includes input devices, including a value input device 118 and a player input device 124. For output the handheld gaming machine 110 includes, but is not limited to, a primary display 114, a secondary display 116, one or more speakers 117, one or more player-accessible ports 119 (e.g., an audio output jack for headphones, a video headset jack, etc.), and other conventional I/O devices and ports, which may or may not be player-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 b, the handheld gaming machine 110 comprises a secondary display 116 that is rotatable relative to the primary display 114. The optional secondary display 116 may be fixed, movable, and/or detachable/attachable relative to the primary display 114. Either the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may be configured to display any aspect of a non-wagering game, wagering game, secondary games, bonus games, progressive wagering games, group games, shared-experience games or events, game events, game outcomes, scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts or announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, and handheld gaming machine status.

The player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise, for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the casing 112 configured to receive credit from a stored-value card (e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.) inserted by a player. In another aspect, the player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player. The player-accessible value input device 118 may also or alternatively include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit or funds storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the handheld gaming machine 110.

Still other player-accessible value input devices 118 may require the use of touch keys 130 on the touch-screen display (e.g., primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116) or player input devices 124. Upon entry of player identification information and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key sequences, etc.), the player may be permitted to access a layer's account. As one potential optional security feature, the handheld gaming machine 110 may be configured to permit a player to only access an account the player has specifically set up for the handheld gaming machine 110. Other conventional security features may also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorized access to a player's account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorized access to a player's account, or to prevent unauthorized access to any personal information or funds temporarily stored on the handheld gaming machine 110.

The player-accessible value input device 118 may itself comprise or utilize a biometric player information reader which permits the player to access available funds on a player's account, either alone or in combination with another of the aforementioned player-accessible value input devices 118. In an embodiment wherein the player-accessible value input device 118 comprises a biometric player information reader, transactions such as an input of value to the handheld device, a transfer of value from one player account or source to an account associated with the handheld gaming machine 110, or the execution of another transaction, for example, could all be authorized by a biometric reading, which could comprise a plurality of biometric readings, from the biometric device.

Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction may be optionally enabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary source confirms the identity indicated by a primary source. For example, a player-accessible value input device 118 comprising a biometric player information reader may require a confirmatory entry from another biometric player information reader 152, or from another source, such as a credit card, debit card, player ID card, fob key, PIN number, password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a transaction may be enabled by, for example, a combination of the personal identification input (e.g., biometric input) with a secret PIN number, or a combination of a biometric input with a fob input, or a combination of a fob input with a PIN number, or a combination of a credit card input with a biometric input. Essentially, any two independent sources of identity, one of which is secure or personal to the player (e.g., biometric readings, PIN number, password, etc.) could be utilized to provide enhanced security prior to the electronic transfer of any funds. In another aspect, the value input device 118 may be provided remotely from the handheld gaming machine 110.

The player input device 124 comprises a plurality of push buttons 126 on a button panel for operating the handheld gaming machine 110. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 124 may comprise a touch screen mounted to a primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116. In one aspect, the touch screen is matched to a display screen having one or more selectable touch keys 130 selectable by a user's touching of the associated area of the screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen at an appropriate touch key 130 or by pressing an appropriate push button 126 on the button panel. The touch keys 130 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 126. Alternatively, the push buttons 126 may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 130 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of the handheld gaming machine 110 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the casing 112, as seen in FIG. 1 b, or may be located outboard of the casing 112 and connected to the casing 112 via a variety of hardwired (tethered) or wireless connection methods. Thus, the handheld gaming machine 110 may comprise a single unit or a plurality of interconnected parts (e.g., wireless connections) which may be arranged to suit a player's preferences.

The operation of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 is displayed to the player on the primary display 114. The primary display 114 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 114 preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the handheld gaming machine 110. The size of the primary display 114 may vary from, for example, about a 2-3″ display to a 15″ or 17″ display. In at least some aspects, the primary display 114 is a 7″-10″ display. As the weight of and/or power requirements of such displays decreases with improvements in technology, it is envisaged that the size of the primary display may be increased. Optionally, coatings or removable films or sheets may be applied to the display to provide desired characteristics (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-glare, bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may have a 16:9 aspect ratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may also each have different resolutions, different color schemes, and different aspect ratios.

As with the free standing gaming machine 10, a player begins play of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 by making a wager (e.g., via the value input device 18 or an assignment of credits stored on the handheld gaming machine via the touch screen keys 130, player input device 124, or buttons 126) on the handheld gaming machine 10. In at least some aspects, the basic game may comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 132 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input device 118 of the handheld gaming machine 110 may double as a player information reader 152 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating the player's identity (e.g., reading a player's credit card, player ID card, smart card, etc.). The player information reader 152 may alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. In one presently preferred aspect, the player information reader 152, shown by way of example in FIG. 1, comprises a biometric sensing device.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34, also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions, the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel processor.

The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36 and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably, these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods.

As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to, and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24, and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented, including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.

Communications between the controller 34 and both the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems 50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.). The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits 46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.

Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34 in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system memory 36. The controller 34 may reside partially or entirely inside or outside of the machine 10. The control system for a handheld gaming machine 110 may be similar to the control system for the free standing gaming machine 10 except that the functionality of the respective on-board controllers may vary.

The gaming machines 10, 110 may communicate with external systems 50 (in a wired or wireless manner) such that each machine operates as a “thin client,” having relatively less functionality, a “thick client,” having relatively more functionality, or through any range of functionality therebetween. As a generally “thin client,” the gaming machine may operate primarily as a display device to display the results of gaming outcomes processed externally, for example, on a server as part of the external systems 50. In this “thin client” configuration, the server executes game code and determines game outcomes (e.g., with a random number generator), while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. In an alternative “thicker client” configuration, the server determines game outcomes, while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine executes game code and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machines. In yet another alternative “thick client” configuration, the controller 34 on board the gaming machine 110 executes game code, determines game outcomes, and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. Numerous alternative configurations are possible such that the aforementioned and other functions may be performed onboard or external to the gaming machine as may be necessary for particular applications. It should be understood that the gaming machines 10,110 may take on a wide variety of forms such as a free standing machine, a portable or handheld device primarily used for gaming, a mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone or personal daily assistant (PDA), a counter top or bar top gaming machine, or other personal electronic device such as a portable television, MP3 player, entertainment device, etc.

An example wagering game which may be played on the gaming machine 10 or 110 is characterized by offering a player an expanded-wild-symbol reel which may be triggered by a random outcome such as a wild-symbol. The expanded-wild reel offers additional game-enhancement functions such as multipliers as well as serving as a wild-symbol for different symbol combinations in the game.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example display graphic 300 in conjunction with a slot reel basic wagering game played on the gaming machine 10 or 110. The display graphic 300 is for a wagering game with a specific theme. Of course, the principles described herein may be used on any type of wagering game with differing themes. The display graphic 300 may be shown on the primary display 14 or the secondary display 16 of the gaming machine 10. The display graphic 300 shows a slot game having a number of reels 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310. Although five reels are shown in this example, it is to be understood that additional or fewer reels may be used. The reels 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310 each have different symbols 312, three of which are shown for each reel 302-310. The symbols 312 are all related to the game theme and include for example a CASH symbol, a PRIVATE JET symbol, a YACHT symbol and a LIMOUSINE symbol. The combination of the symbols 312 on the different reels 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310 are used to display a predetermined outcome from the wagering game. The winning symbol combination on the reels 302-310 must be aligned along an active payline, starting from the leftmost reel 302, to achieve the winning outcome (and/or the rightmost reel 310 in some embodiments).

In this example, a player makes a first wager input via the value input device 18 and a first group of symmetrical paylines 314 a, 314 b, and 314 c are activated by the player. The paylines 314 a-c each contains groups of five symbol locations from each of the reels 302, 304, 306, 308, and 310. The option of wagering on multiple paylines may be made available to a player via a button on the push-buttons 26 or via the touch-screen 28. Thus, groups of symmetrical paylines may be selected by a player. For example, a player may select 5 or 7 active paylines having different symbol locations from each of the reels 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310. In this example, up to 15 paylines may be selected by a player to be active paylines. Paylines 314 a-c are examples of a symmetrical group of three active paylines from the potential 15 paylines in this wagering game. Alternatively, the paylines may be activated individually (i.e., not in groups), or may be activated automatically, such as when a player makes a certain wager input at the gaming machine 10 or 100.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the display graphic 300 illustrates the reels 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310 on the primary display 14. The reels may be activated by the player making a wager and an image of the reels 302-310 spinning may be displayed to create the impression that the reels are actually spinning. As shown in FIG. 3, three paylines 314 a-314 c have been selected by the player and are, therefore, active. A payline indicator is used to indicate whether a particular payline has been selected. For example, the payline indicator may include a highlighting (e.g., a large bolded circle) of the symbols to indicate that each one of the paylines 314 a-314 c has been selected, and an assigned number to indicate a respective payline to the player (e.g., the payline 314 a is indicated to the player as payline 1). The paylines may also be indicated by the use of different colored buttons 316 on the sides of the reels 302-310 which signify the ends of the various paylines 314 a-314 c.

FIG. 3 shows a special symbol such as a wild-symbol 320 which is a “SUPER EXPANDING WILD” symbol as shown in the third reel 306. When the wild-symbol 320 appears, it signifies the award of a wild-symbol over the location of the reel (in this case, the third reel 306) which may be used to complete any combination of symbols on a payline intersecting that symbol. For example, in FIG. 3, the payline 314 a represents a winning outcome because it contains two PRIVATE JET symbols and the special wild-symbol 320, which is the equivalent of the third PRIVATE JET symbol, in a row. The other paylines 314 b and 314 c do not contain at least three identical symbols in a row and thus do not represent winning outcomes. In the example game, the wild-symbol 320 allows the player to be eligible for further wild-symbol type game-enhancement functions as discussed below in reference to FIG. 4. The further wild-symbol type game-enhancement functions may be activated by an additional wager by the player or may be awarded for having the wild-symbol 320 in one of the selected paylines.

FIG. 4 shows a display graphic 400 of the game after the wild-symbol 320 appears and a player has made an additional wager. The deposit of the additional wager triggers the special expanded-wild feature of the wagering game. The third reel 306 is now shown overlaid by a super expanding-wild reel 402 which is shown in a spinning state. The super expanding-wild reel 402 appears to be spinning immediately after the feature is activated and then will appear to slow down to reveal new bonus wild-symbols overlying the third reel 306 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 illustrates a display graphic 500 with the super expanding-wild reel 402 in a stopped position to allow a player to view the symbols in the super expanding-wild reel 402. Three wild-symbols 406 on the super expanding-wild reel 402 function as wild-symbols in relation to other active paylines. The wild-symbols 406 also result in a game-enhancement function such as a multiplier on any awards from winning paylines. In other words, the entire middle reel 306 is considered to have “wild” symbols in all locations, while also having a “5×” multiplier in all locations. The super expanding-wild reel 402 is highlighted by a frame graphic 408 which draws attention to the superimposed super expanding-wild reel 402 overlaying the third reel 306.

FIG. 6 illustrates the display graphic 500 with the selected paylines 314 a-314 c superimposed over the reels 302-310 and the super expanding-wild reel 402. In this instance, the wild-symbols 406 are considered as a substitute for any needed symbol in combination with normal symbols on a payline. For example, the payline 314 b now includes two of the same PRIVATE JET symbols which, in combination with the wild-symbol 406 in the upper symbol portion of the super expanding-wild reel 402, results in the indication of a winning outcome. The payout for the three PRIVATE JET symbols is then multiplied by five times due to the “5×” multiplier on the wild-symbol 406. Another example is the payline 314 c, which is now a winning combination because the wild-symbol 406 in the lower symbol portion of the super expanding-wild reel 402 is used as a third PRIVATE JET symbol, resulting in the indication of a winning outcome. The award for the winning outcome is modified by the “5×” multiplier on the wild-symbol 406. In this instance the bonus is the same for all three symbols 406 in the super expanding-wild reel 402, namely a “5×” multiplier. It is to be understood that other bonuses may be awarded to the player based on the presence of the wild-symbols 406 in a selected payline. The result of the super expanding-wild bonus is that the player has now potentially increased the number of winning paylines and multiplied the awards from the winning paylines.

FIG. 7 illustrates a display graphic 700 showing a second stopped super expanding-wild reel 702 that may be used in place of the super expanding-wild reel 402 in FIG. 4. The super expanding-wild reel 702 includes three different wild-symbols 704, 706 and 708. The wild-symbols 704-708 still function as wild-symbols, however the game-enhancement functions in the form of multiplier amounts now differ from symbol to symbol. FIG. 7 also shows three paylines 714 a-c which all represent winning outcomes in this example. In FIG. 7, the payline 714 a has a “5×” multiplier for the award based on a winning outcome as it includes the wild-symbol 706. The second payline 716 b has a “3×” multiplier for the award based on a winning outcome as it includes the wild-symbol 704. Finally, the third payline 714 c has a “2×” multiplier for the award based on a winning outcome as it includes the wild-symbol 706.

Of course it is to be understood that the super expanding-wild reel may include other game-enhancement functions other than multipliers. For example, other types of game-enhancement functions may include additional credits added to the payout, a free spin or spins in addition to the payout, eligibility in a special community event with other players such as a progressive jackpot, etc. Thus, FIG. 7 shows different multipliers as game-enhancement functions but there could be different types of game-enhancement functions on each location on the super expanding-wild reel 702. Alternatively, there could be different super expanding reels, each having symbols with different types of game-enhancement functions.

Although the above examples relate to video slot reel wagering games, it is to be understood that the principles discussed above may be applied to mechanical reel-type games in conjunction with transmissive display technology to modify the appearance of a mechanical display to overlay the super expanding-wild reels described above. The transmissive display is essentially a transparent video display that is superimposed over the mechanical display. The transmissive display is then operated to display selected video images superimposed over the mechanical display. The video images may include translucent portions so that the underlying mechanical display is visible, but in an altered state (i.e., different color, texture, etc.). The video images may also include opaque portions so as to completely block out the underlying mechanical display. Such a transmissive display uses a video image of the super expanding-wild reel to block out the underlying mechanical reel when the super expanding-wild reel is enabled. For information regarding the use of transmissive display technology in gaming machines and for embodiments employing transmissive displays, the reader is referred to commonly-assigned U.S. Published Application No. 20040198485, titled “Gaming Machine with Superimposed Display Image,” filed on Nov. 7, 2003, and to commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433, titled “Reel Spinning Slot Machine With Superimposed Video Image,” issued on Feb. 11, 2003, each of which being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Another alternative is to cause the interposition of the super expanding-wild reel by a mystery trigger unrelated to symbols on the reels. In that alternative, the super expanding-wild reel is awarded if the mystery trigger occurs during the player's spin. Still another alternative is a game-enhancement function whereby, when a wild appears on a reel (or by mystery trigger), the wild-symbol moves up and down along the reel as the reel spins. The wild-symbol stops on one of the three spaces on the reel and is wild for all of the paylines running through the space on the reel as explained above. The wild-symbol is “transparent” (either on video reels or via the transmissive display if the gaming machine uses mechanical reels) and, as such, the symbol over which the wild-symbol sits is also visible. An award is provided to the player if any winning combination is formed along a payline with the wild-symbol. Additionally, if the wild-symbol sits atop a symbol that would have otherwise paid an award, this award is also paid to the player (i.e., if the player has 3 identical symbols in a row along the payline and a wild sits atop one of the symbols, the player is paid for each of the wins).

Another alternative is the option of respinning the super expanding-wild reel after the wild-symbols with game-enhancement functions are displayed. For example, returning to FIG. 6, after the super expanding-wild reel 402 is displayed, a player may be provided the option to respin the super expanding-wild reel 402. This option may be triggered by a special symbol on the super expanding-wild reel 402 or one of the other reels 302, 304, 308 and 310, a specific symbol combination appearing on the super expanding-wild reel 402 or one of the other reels 302, 304, 308 and 310, by placing an additional wager or by another triggering mechanism.

The new respun reel may include various groups of symbols of game-enhancement functions such as standard wild symbols, multiplier wilds, bonus symbols, and special event symbols such as a triggering symbol for a progressive award opportunity. In cases such as shown in FIG. 4, where the super expanding-wild reel 402 contains all of the same enhanced symbols, the super expanding-wild reel 402 may be respun with only wild-symbols, wild-multipliers and bonus-symbols on the reel. The game-enhancement functions may be added to all possible displayed symbols when the respin is complete or the game enhancement-functions may be interspersed on certain symbols on the respun reel. After the new reel is spun, additional awards may be made according to the displayed game-enhancement function symbols and other symbols on the respun reel in conjunction with symbols on the other reels in the active paylines.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: displaying a randomly selected outcome of said wagering game in a display area, said display area including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array, said display area including a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within said array; changing each symbol on one of said plurality of reels to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function; and awarding a payout based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along said plurality of active paylines including said wild functions and said additional game-enhancement functions.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes a multiplier value, and the payout is multiplied by the multiplier value.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement functions along each of the active paylines is the same function.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement functions along each of the active paylines include at least two different functions.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding at least one additional credit.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding at least one free spin.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding eligibility in a community event.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the changing each symbol on one of said plurality of reels is activated in response to one of said plurality of reels including a special symbol.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the changing each symbol on one of said plurality of reels is activated in response to receiving a wager.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the changing each symbol on one of said plurality of reels is activated by a mystery trigger.
 11. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for directing a gaming machine to perform the method of claim
 1. 12. A gaming system for playing a wagering game, comprising: a display displaying a randomly selected outcome of said wagering game including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array and a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within said array; a controller changing each symbol on one of said plurality of reels to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function; and wherein the controller awards a payout based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along said plurality of active paylines including said wild functions and said additional game-enhancement functions.
 13. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding at least one additional credit.
 14. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding at least one free spin.
 15. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the additional game-enhancement function includes awarding eligibility in a community event.
 16. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the controller changes each symbol on one of said plurality of reels in response to one of said plurality of reels including a special symbol.
 17. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the controller changes each symbol on one of said plurality of reels in response to receiving a wager.
 18. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the controller changes each symbol on one of said plurality of reels in response to a mystery trigger.
 19. A gaming system for playing a wagering game, comprising: a first display to display a randomly selected outcome of said wagering game including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array, said first display including a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within said array; a second display superimposed over said first display, said second display overlaying one of the plurality of reels with a reel including altered symbols providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function; and a controller awarding a payout based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along said plurality of active paylines including said wild functions and said additional game-enhancement functions.
 20. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein said first display includes a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels.
 21. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of active paylines are visually displayed on the second display and not the first display.
 22. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game, comprising: a display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game on a plurality of reels, each of the reels with symbols, the reels forming an array of symbols; at least one payline; a controller coupled to the display, the controller generating a super expanding-wild reel superimposed over one of the plurality of reels, the super expanding-wild reel including altered symbols providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function, the controller awarding a first payout based on the symbol combinations along the at least one payline including the wild s functions and the additional game-enhancement function; and wherein the controller provides an option to respin the super expanding-wild reel, the controller superimposing a respun reel over the super expanding-wild reel in response to the option, the respun reel having groups of game-enhancement function symbols; and the controller capable of awarding a second payout based on the symbol combinations along the at least one payline including the game-enhancement function symbols of the respun reel. 